The origins of Esoteric's new S1 Stereo Power Amplifier lie in an unbounded respect for the deep emotive powers of music. The Grandioso lineage that gave birth to the M1 Monoblock Amplifier now unveils a new standard bearer. Following in the footsteps of our M1 flagship, the new S1 benefits from its knowledge and technology, allowing it to continue in the pursuit of true perfection. Experience majestic symphonies and infinite silence as sound and spirit call to each other. The very existence of the device between them seems to fade into oblivion, no longer noticed by the listener. Without doubt, the new Esoteric S1 Stereo Amplifier defines the true spirit of fine audio, and the realization of the ultimate in musical enjoyment.

That moment when the sound from your loudspeakers seems to make the audio system disappear before your very eyes is one of the most exhilarating moments of the listening experience. That indescribable sense of spaciousness, the feeling that the music you're hearing is truly live, can only be generated by an amplifier that offers an abundance of power in order to properly drive the loudspeakers. Employing the finest components, and massive power supplies, enables Esoteric's amplifiers to achieve that high power output. As their new flagship stereo power amplifier, the S1 faithfully incorporates the design philosophy of their Monoblock M1, setting free every nuance of sound, and imparting to music all the vibrancy and richness of life.

A loudspeaker's impedance can vary widely depending on the frequencies being reproduced. Continuous low bass and repeated fast transients from percussive instruments can impose a very demanding load on the amplifier that can require not only continuous high power outputs, but also repeated bursts of high power. Unless the amplifier's power supply has the capacity to meet these stringent demands and do so consistently, the dynamics of the music will be compromised.

The finest materials and component parts have been used in the construction of the S1's power supply. This enables the S1, which is nominally rated at 150 watts into 8 ohms, to deliver an impressive 600 watts into 2 ohms. This is a testament to the linearity of the S1's power supply, and permits the full spectrum of sound dynamics to be faithfully reproduced at all volume levels.

As one of the most important factors in deciding an amplifier's ultimate sound quality, the S1's robust power supply plays a critical role in its ability to deliver high power in a linear manner. The power supply's large 2,180VA toroidal transformer provides the foundation for the S1's exceptional power output. With the knowledge that an amplifier's sound quality is ultimately determined by the quality of its power transformer, the S1 employs a custom power transformer that demonstrates Esoteric's highly developed expertise in material selection, core size and even mounting technique. To preserve the purity of the sound, separate windings are used for the left and right channels, and the transformer is securely mounted on a rigid, 5mm-thick steel base plate.

The transformer is not fitted with a cover in order to avoid any degradation in sound quality, however slight, that this might cause. Three parallel rows of capacitors totaling 4,700wF per channel shorten charge and discharge times, and provide a tighter and faster sound. The power supply wiring employs heavy-duty cable, and to reduce impedances to the lowest level possible, rather than use conventional connectors, joints are made using crimp terminals that are tightly bolted together.

An amplifier drives the loudspeakers by converting the musical information into an electric current. While this may sound simple, considering that the output current ranges from very small to very large, it is nearly impossible to accurately drive the loudspeakers in a way that is consistently faithful to the source musical signal.

In order to optimize the amplifier's ability to drive the loudspeakers, ways had to be found to reduce the amplifier's output impedance to an absolute minimum. To achieve this, Esoteric's full range of expertise was devoted to the S1. A total of nine bus bars are used across the design, and the need for an output coil has been eliminated. In addition, exhaustive efforts have been made to simplify the circuit design and widen its range. The result is the achievement of the phenomenal DF (damping factor) of 1,000, which can be considered a guideline for woofer drive capability. Even large-diameter woofers, which are notoriously difficult to drive, are provided with accurate damping, and the sound is precisely reproduced with an expansive feel across a wide range that reaches to even the lowest frequencies.

In the design of the S1, careful attention has also been given to noise reduction. Each channel's audio input signal enters through discrete balanced input buffer amplifiers, and is then relayed to the amplification stage by way of a low-impedance signal path. By eliminating common-mode noise and making the signal path resistant to the effects of noise, signal clarity is accurately maintained through to the amplification stage, thereby achieving an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio for an exceptional listening experience.

The outstanding dynamic range made possible by the amplification of a clean, noise-free signal promises the listener a level of excitement that transcends mere numerical specifications. The S1 not only delivers the full dynamic expression of a high-powered amplifier, it also provides the fine sensitivity needed to reproduce the more nuanced gradations that exist between musical crescendos and silence.

We endeavour to despatch same day for orders placed up to 2pm on available stock items (items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 24 hours"). Please remember to check with us first for a physical stock check if next day delivery is important to you. Any items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 72 hours" are items that we do not hold in stock but order in from the importer or manufacturer as soon as a customer order is recieved. Occasionally these may be delayed beyond 72 hours due to importer/manufacturer stock levels but we will inform you as soon as we can if this is the case.

UK ORDERS: We despatch the bulk of our UK mainland items on a 24 hour service – Free of Charge. Non Mainland locations - Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, the Scottish highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland may take a day or so longer and are not Free of Charge. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail recorded delivery or special delivery. Larger items are delivered using a courier service such as Interlink Express, DPD, UPS or DHL.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: We offer competitive rates which can be confirmed by email. Please just ask – we will need a full delivery address and telephone number. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail Small Packets Airmail with International Tracked and/or Signed depending on value of item and availability of the service. Larger International shipments are sent by insured and tracked services using DPD, DHL or UPS. If there are any delays due to specific customs regulations, etc, you will be contacted by Turntableworld or by the courier with a request for any further information required. Customs duties do not apply for shipments into any EU country (for a full list please refer to the EU Country List). Customs duties can apply for countries outside of the EU. Customers in these countries are responsible for all taxes and duties incurred when the items enter their country.

COLLECT IN STORE OR HOME INSTALL:At the request of the manufacturer some items cannot be supplied by mail order but you can click and buy them and then elect to collect them from our store or arrange a home install (if applicable). Applicable items clearly state that they are Collect in store or home install. Once ordered you will receive a message prompting you to contact us by phone or email to arrange for us to deliver and install or to reserve and collect from our store at your convenience, you will also be advised of the delivery time / stock availability as not all Home install / collect in store items are held in stock.

Be the first to review Esoteric Grandioso S1 Stereo Power Amplifier . Write a review ›